A fresh framework for the ecology of arid Australia

► Revised propositions about arid Australia are presented based on research since Stafford Smith and Morton (1990, Journal of Arid Environments 18, 255-278. ► Australian plant life-histories distinctively reflect variable temporal patterns of soil moisture. ► Low phosphorus levels favour plants producing a relative excess of carbohydrate, leading to fire-proneness and abundant detritivores. ► Irregular fluctuations in production due to variable rainfall encourage consumers with opportunistic life-histories.